Leinster - Leonora

An assessment of population growth drivers in Leinster - Leonora reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Leinster - Leonora's population is around 5,265 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 461 people (9.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,804 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,240 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Leinster - Leonora's 9.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 72.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 989 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 18.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Leinster - Leonora according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Leinster - Leonora has recorded around 7 residential properties granted approval annually, with 37 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. With an average of 6 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $523,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $19.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Leinster - Leonora has 12.0% less new development (per person) and ranks within the 25th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This activity is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity consists of 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an expanding range of medium-density options that create a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 87.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of 636 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Leinster - Leonora will gain 964 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Leinster - Leonora has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Catalina Resources Laverton Project, Genesis Minerals Laverton Gold Project, Menzies and Laverton Gold Projects, and the Laverton Hospital Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Leinster - Leonora face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Leinster - Leonora features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 13.6%, and 2.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,382 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 10.1% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.6% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 2.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in mining, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in mining, with an employment share of 3.8 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.3% versus the regional average of 9.3%. With 1.6 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and labour force increased by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Leinster - Leonora. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Leinster - Leonora's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.0% over five years and 10.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Leinster - Leonora SA2 is higher than average nationally, with the median assessed at $64,702 while the average income stands at $70,452. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $70,926 (median) and $77,229 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 67th percentile ($900 weekly), while household income sits at the 29th percentile. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.6% of the community (1,663 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. Housing costs are manageable with 95.4% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 41st percentile.

Leinster - Leonora is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Leinster - Leonora, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.0% houses and 13.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Leinster - Leonora lagged that of Regional WA, at 14.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (6.0%) or rented (79.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $634, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $70, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Leinster - Leonora's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Leinster - Leonora features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.0% of all households, comprising 26.0% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Leinster - Leonora faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (33.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 39.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 19.0% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Leinster - Leonora is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Leinster - Leonora, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,848 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are diabetes and asthma, impacting 7.2% and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 77.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 7.6% of residents aged 65 and over (398 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Leinster - Leonora was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Leinster - Leonora was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 17.5% of its population born overseas and 45.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Leinster - Leonora is Christianity, which makes up 41.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 5.5% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Leinster - Leonora are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 38.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%, English, comprising 19.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%, and Australian, comprising 15.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Leinster - Leonora (vs 1.0% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.9%) and Samoan at 0.4% (vs 0.1%).

Leinster - Leonora's population is younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 34, Leinster - Leonora is materially younger than the Regional WA figure of 40 and well below Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 24.6% compared to Regional WA, whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 1.1%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 21.0% to 24.6% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 4.8% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.2% to 7.8% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 13.6% to 11.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Leinster - Leonora's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 25% (319 people), reaching 1,614 from 1,294. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.